Welcome to the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. The
Department, part of the Earth Sciences Program that includes the
collocated Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, offers
undergraduate and graduate degrees in atmospheric and oceanic
sciences, and climate earth sciences.

The department's research strengths are reinforced by strong collaborations leading to joint research topics with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland Departments of the Environment and of Natural Resources, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction of the National Weather Service, the NOAA Satellite and Air Research Laboratories, all of which are located near the campus.

The importance of large ice masses in the climate system has gained focus in recent years. It has become imperative that the public at all levels are informed about how these great masses influence our climate and particularly in a warmer future. Dr. Derrick Lampkin has recently completed a documentary for the Berkley Science Center and the media company Amplify which seeks to impact young minds. The short video segments are designed to highlight Dr. Lampkin’s research on ice sheet dynamics and response to warming temperatures and to raise awareness of their overall importance in the study of climate change. The videos will be integrated into multi-model educational exercises target for the middle school curriculum. The program will feature other documentaries of Earth Scientist, each specializing in a particular area of research. It is expected that this curriculum package will reach approximately 30% of all middle schools in the US.

The UMD campus fluid dynamics community gathered at the Thirteenth Annual Symposium of the Burgers Program on November 16, 2016. Prof. James A. Carton gave a talk on "Arctic Climate Change.” Dr. JungHoon Shin presented his work with Prof. Da-Lin Zhang in the Grad student/postdoc poster session.